Postpartum Depression

The feeling of depression, anxiety and devastation, loss of interest in life, irritability (often misplaced) sense of alienation from his own child — all these signs of postpartum depression. The woman feels a sense of guilt and inferiority, feels like a bad mother. Depression may be accompanied by loss of appetite and insomnia, although most often in the first months of a young mother and so lacking sleep and energy.

Statistics

According to statistics, postpartum depression suffer from 10 to 15% of women. Every second of them depression is severe, say us researchers. In these cases, the assistance of a psychologist, restorative therapy and support of loved ones may not be enough, and doctors recommend the intake of psychotropic drugs — antidepressants.

Not all mothers experiencing depression, seek medical help — many of them are afraid to admit to other people and even ourselves that the birth of the child became for them a source of painful experiences and loss of mental equilibrium.

Danger and Harm

What is the danger of postpartum depression? If a woman cannot deal with her as herself and not receiving the necessary assistance, depression can last for many months, gradually aggravated.

Mother’s mood is transmitted to the child. The world in which he lives, deprived of joy and warmth, it has more of sadness, insecurity and anxiety. Many researchers emphasize that the depressed mother may lead to a delay in speech development of the child, to problems with concentration. Specialists from the Center for mental health came to the conclusion that such children are more anxious, they are less confident in mother’s love, their affection can wear neurotic character.

Types of Postpartum Depression

Type 1: Postpartum Blues

Slight insomnia, irritability, tearfulness and mood swings are quite natural in the first days after birth. These symptoms typically peak on the fourth day after birth and disappear within two weeks when the hormone levels come back to normal. If you feel these symptoms in the first days after birth, you are not alone, half of women experiencing symptoms of mild depression along with a feeling of happiness on the coming of motherhood.

Be sure to tell your doctor about your feelings at the first appointment after birth so he/she can monitor your condition.

Type 2: Postpartum Depression

The symptoms of postpartum depression can immediately follow postpartum Blues. In most cases they do not differ from symptoms of postpartum depression, but may occur more intensively. Postpartum depression can also manifest itself a few months after childbirth or the loss of a child. In some cases, it reaches its peak after 3-4 months of aging. The diagnosis of postpartum depression must spend the doctor.

If you have seen five of the following symptoms of depression (to be manifestation of the first two symptoms) for the past two weeks, then you have postpartum depression:

Postpartum psychosis is considered the most dangerous disease in which a woman needs immediate treatment. If you notice the symptoms of psychosis, seek immediate medical attention. Until you do not consult doctor, you are a threat to harm oneself or the baby.

Prevention of Postpartum Depression

Try to monitor your own condition on the part of any of the changes associated with self-esteem – the negative vibrations in this direction should not be allowed. If you feel that “something is wrong”, do not turn away from the problem and don’t write off its accounts, specifying their own reasons which could be causing the problem. Remember that help, regardless of relevant state after childbirth is normal and even necessary. Remember about one common rule regarding what the disease is easier to prevent than later cure. Postpartum depression is a disease and like any disease, treat it well as it should.

Treatment of Postpartum Depression

Treatment of postpartum depression, as well as the previous diagnosis of this condition is based on the inspection, detection and mapping of symptoms. To determine the level of hormones will allow the appropriate blood test – this will allow you to obtain a comprehensive picture of the state. Features of treatment are based on the depth of the state in which dwells the woman (and man including, if considered as a treatment of depression in men).

Because drugs can be used antidepressants, focused on the treatment of such depression are selective inhibitors of reverse takeover serotonin, by their admission, it provides maintenance of hormonal balance. Side effects from these drugs are minor, the risks for a child in their reception there. Other features on the part of the “for and against” should be addressed with your doctor.

An additional solution in the treatment can be psychotherapy. It provides the possibility of reshaping the traditional paradigm of thinking, combined with changing existing patterns of behavior and reacting to situations as they arise. In consultation tet-a-tet, to achieve truly effective results in the treatment.

For getting rid of postpartum depression in women and men is an important social support for the surrounding people and relatives. This is a public group, or service oriented to the problems encountered by young parents. They, together with those who also faced the problem of postpartum depression, you can share your story and find a solution for a number of relevant issues. In any case, it is important not to let the situation slide, to strive for a normal life and perception of themselves, the child and family relationships through an active action – only so the problem of depression can be solved.

If you experience symptoms that are relevant to postpartum depression, contact your physician or pediatrician for advice and directly to the therapist or to the psychologist.